Big British Rivals Chisora, Fury Share Bill Tonight In London

A big event on the British heavyweight scene takes place this evening at London’s Copper Box Arena as both Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury lace up the gloves.

But, not against each other, but rather a pair of Americans.

Which could be a good thing as Fury had zero problems when he did fight Chisora a couple of years back, although “that” Chisora is said to be the “old” Dereck, which has supposedly been replaced with the “new” Dereck.

Regardless of which Chisora, 19-4 (13), shows up tonight in London, he’ll unlikely have problems with opponent Kevin Johnson, 29-4-1 (14).

Johnson has lost to Vitali Klitschko in a 2009 WBC title bout, Fury in a 2012 WBC title eliminator, Tor Hammer in a 2012 Prizefighter final and Christian Hammer this past December.

The best thing that can be said of Johnson is that he has a solid chin, but then again, he may not as his style of boxing involves staying far away from opponents with little engagement.

He is a decent boxer, however, and will likely run from “Del Boy” for most of the bout until he and Chisora get too tired to do anything but clinch.

Expect a points win for Dereck.

Fury, 21-0 (15), has the far more dangerous opponent, southpaw KO artist Joey Abell, 29-7 (28), who is the epitome of a “chinny banger”.

Abell has KO’d a long line of anonymous opposition and has been stopped by Chris Arreola, Fres Oquendo and most recently, Kubrat Pullev in December.

Top contender Pullev halted Abell on body shots in five for the WBC International belt but had some problems, including getting knocked down convincingly from taking a flush shot from Abell.

So, we know Abell can really whack and combine that with Fury getting dropped hard by light hitting former cruiserweight world champ Steve Cunningham and we could have an interesting fight on our hands.

Abell isn’t close to being world class, but then again, Fury possibly isn’t either, despite his vastly inflated self opinion.

Fury should be able to get Abell out of there but if Tyson makes a mistake against the American lefty, he could be the one getting carted out of the ring with assistance.

If Chisora and Fury both win, that will reportedly set up their rematch, which for some reason is an anticipated bout.

Is this not a sign that the British heavyweight division is at a very low point?

Where is David Haye when we need him?